KA 3: Biology of Controlling Fertility

Question 1

Cyclical fertility

Answer 1

Shown by women, leading to a fertile period

Question 2

Fertility treatment: stimulating ovulation

Answer 2

Fertility treatment using drugs to stimulate ovulation. The drugs prevent negative feedback of oestrogen on FSH secretion.

Question 3

Fertility treatment: Artificial insemination

Answer 3

Samples of semen are collected when the male sperm count is low

Question 4

Fertility treatment: IVF

Answer 4

In-vitro fertilisation- eggs are mixed with sperm in a culture dish

Question 5

IVF - how are eggs removed?

Answer 5

Surgical removal after hormone stimulation

Question 6

IVF - what other procedure is used in conjunction with IVF?

Answer 6

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

Question 7

Why is the role of PGD?

Answer 7

To identify single gene disorders and chromosomal abnormalities.

Question 8

Oral contraceptive pill

Answer 8

A chemical method of contraception containing synthetic oestrogen and progesterone that mimics negative feedback to prevent FSH and LH release

Question 9

Continuous fertility

Answer 9

Shown by men to produce sperm in their testes continually

Question 10

Identification of a female’s fertile period

Answer 10

Rise in body temperature and thin/watery cervical mucus

Question 11

Possible consequence of using drugs to stimulate ovulation

Answer 11

Can cause super ovulation that can result in multiple births

Question 12

Fertility treatment: ICSI

Answer 12

Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection is used if the sperm count is very low. The head of the sperm is drawn into a needle and injected directly into the egg

Question 13

IVF - when are fertilised eggs implanted in the uterus?

Answer 13

The fertilised eggs are incubated until they have formed at least 8 cells

Question 14

Progesterone - only (mini) pill

Answer 14

Causes thickening of the cervical mucus

Question 15

Morning - after pill

Answer 15

Prevents ovulation or implantation